Massey boss shows little understanding of free speech

MASSEY University vicechancellor Jan Thomas may have no intention of resigning (ODT, 21.9.18), but it is clear that she has to go.

The contents of her emails, released through an OIA request, are jawdropping, and not least for her appalling grammar.

She shows no understanding of what free speech is, of why it is important, and of where it can legitimately be restricted.

Merely finding speech disagreeable or even offensive does not provide grounds for its restriction.

Crude distinctions such as ‘‘Hate Speech is not Free Speech’’ gloss over much problematic territory, as has been ably explored in Nadine Strossen’s recent book: Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship (NY: Oxford University Press, 2018).

As an example of her absolute unsuitability for the role of a vicechancellor at a New Zealand university, in her July 13, 2018 email she writes:

‘‘So I sum, I really want to find a way to indicate that Brash is not welcome on campus unless he agrees to abide by our values and the laws against hate speech.

‘‘He is not a sitting politician so why is he getting this airing,’’ she says in the email.

The situation is sad for current Massey students and recent graduates, particularly in the humanities, as the VC’s actions are already affecting the reputation of their degrees.

Perhaps Massey can learn from Evergreen State College in the United States.

At that institution, one year after the campus culture went fullsocial justice warrior mode, student enrolments plummeted.

Malcolm MoncriefSpittle

Dunedin ..................................

BIBLE READING: By His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope. — 1 Peter 1:3.